Vital Signs (Pulse & Blood Pressure) Chapter 7

VITAL SIGNS

(PULSE & BLOOD PRESSURE) CHAPTER 7

PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY: MS. SOHAD NOORSAEED, RN. MSN

LEARNING OUTCOMES

? Upon the completion of " Pulse &Blood Pressure" lecture, the learners will be able to:

1. Discuss the importance of the vital signs in assessing the health status of the individual.

2. Identify the variations in pulse, and blood pressure that occur from infancy to old age. 3. Discuss the factors that affect the (P&BP)and accurate measurement of them using various methods. 4. Explain appropriate nursing care for alterations in P&BP. 5. Identify sites used to assess pulse, blood pressure and state the reasons for their use. 6. Explain how to measure the pulse, and blood pressure. 7. List the characteristics that should be included when assessing the pulse.

INTRODUCTION

? The vital signs are body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure. Recently, many agencies have designated pain as a fifth vital sign.

? These signs, which should be looked at together, are checked to monitor the functions of the body. The signs reflect changes in function that otherwise might not be observed. It should be evaluated with reference to the client's present and prior health status, are compared to the client's usual (if known) and accepted normal standards.

? When and how often to assess a specific client's vital signs ? are chiefly nursing judgments, depending on the client's health

status.

COMMON TIMES TO ASSESS VITAL SIGNS

PULSE

? is a wave of blood created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. It represents the stroke volume output or the amount of blood that enters the arteries with each ventricular contraction.

? Compliance of the arteries is their ability to contract and expand. When a person's arteries lose their elasticity, as can happen in old age, greater pressure is required to pump the blood into the arteries.

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